Commander Pays Tribute To Dead Sailor

A commanding officer has today paid tribute to the 20 year old sailor found dead last Sunday on a Portsmouth navy ship.

Lieutenant Commander Charles Maynard said Sam Hatton was a 'bright young man'.

He added:

'Sam's death has come as a great shock to all of us on board, within the community of the Second Mine Countermeasures squadron and the wider naval family.

'Sam was just starting out on his naval career and I've no doubt he would have become a very good engineering technician in the Royal Navy.

'He will be sorely missed but remembered by all of us as a friendly, bright, hard working sailor and valued member of the ship's crew.'

Yesterday it was confirmed he died of a single gunshot wound to the head.

The Royal Navy is conducting an investigation into his death, as well as Hampshire Police.

A tribute page titled ``R.I.P. Sam Hatton x'' has been set up on Facebook.

Messages left speak of Mr Hatton's close friendship with Matthew Webster, a 23-year-old sailor from Leicestershire who shot himself at the Faslane nuclear submarine base in Scotland in February.

Another message also tells how Mr Hatton had lost his mother as well.

Amy Fish said: "Ricky Ricky Ricky...I hope someone is kicking your arse up there for this...RIP honey...your back with ya mum and Webbo now...she'll have her hands full keeping you 2 under control xx.''

And another friend suggests that Mr Hatton was a father-to-be.

Lucy Lee Scouarnec said: "Love and miss you Sam still can't believe it my heart goes out to all your friends and family and soon to be son forever in my heart Sam love you Lucy xxxxxxxxx.''

Rick Valentine said: "We can't believe this has happened mate what brought our friendship together wasn't the best of circumstances but now its happened again, you were like a younger brother to the Websters.''

Kimberley Newport said: "R.I.P sam, cant believe ur gone, its not sinking in, so many memories n giggles are running throu me, life wasnt easy but we sure had sum top times!... we will all be missing u madly, the memories will live on forever!...love always xxx lay to rest babe xxx''